How Long It Takes To Get New Tech In Our Cars

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- We're only half way through the year but KidsandCars.org reports 12 kids have died in hot cars across the country. That averages to 2 a month.

The Hot Car Act of 2017 is pushing for all vehicles to have some sort of technology to alert drivers someone is in the backseat when they turn the car off.

The Auto Alliance, an advocacy group representing most U.S. car and light truck sales responded by saying, "Losing children in hot cars is a tragedy, and greater public awareness and vigilance are absolutely crucial to save young lives right now, this week. That's why automakers, as well as diverse safety groups, are conducting education and outreach campaigns. We all need to work together to avoid heatstroke deaths, so we will review the proposed legislation and provide guidance. We are concerned about proposals where it takes many years before results are seen, because nine lives have already been lost this year in hot cars. And, the proposed mandate for notification technology in cars misses the targeted population, because so few parents of young children buy new cars. Each year, less than 13% of new car buyers have a child six years old or younger. And with people keeping cars longer, its takes about two decades for a technology to reach all the passenger vehicles on our roads. Greater public awareness saves lives today."

Kids and Cars says education isn't enough. A spokesperson with the group told 2 Wants to Know, parents don’t think it’ll happen to them and since it takes so long for devices to get in cars, it needs to pass right away. 2 Wants to Know, will it really take decades for all cars to be equipped with the technology?

The answer is yes and here's why.

According to USA Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required vehicles to have backup cameras in 2014.

The rule started phasing in May 2016 models and had to be in all new models by May 2018.

However, not everyone buys a new car every year, so rear-view systems likely won't be in cars on the road until 2054.

While we wait to see what happens here's what you can do now.

Put your purse or brief case in the backseat so you'll have to go back there to get it.

Download the app 'kars 4 kids.' An alarm will go off when you get out of the car - reminding you to also take out your child.